Mental toughness key to Parrish's success

At the onset of her freshman year, Parrish was running impressively, showing both physical improvement and mental drive. That year, Parrish ran to five top-15 finishes in seven meets and was running in the No. 2 slot for the team.

"I ran very competitively my freshman year and started gaining some recognition," she said.

But during her sophomore season, a foot injury, soon followed by a quadriceps ailment, forced Parrish to remain sidelined for the entire year. Any doubts about the validity of her injuries and her commitment to the team were silenced as Parrish began training harder than ever.

"When you're injured, everybody is looking at you like you are washed up, and you have to get over that mental barrier and just believe in yourself," she said. "I just decided to step up to the plate and get the confidence back that I had before."

Parrish has re-emerged this year from an intense summer of training that included long distance running and swimming.

"I approach my running differently now," she said. "I step outside of myself and focus on bringing my team to the highest performance level possible."

This year Parrish has performed at a level on par with the nation's elite. A stellar performance at the Pre-NCAA Invitational meet Oct. 10 in Lawrence, Kan., earned her a 15th place finish in a field of over 290 competitors.

"I was really pleased with Kristen's performance at the Pre-Nationals," head coach Dave Murray said. "That field included some of the best runners in the country."

Parrish has continued to run strong and consistent all year, contributing to the Wildcats' current No. 6 national ranking.

"A lot of it (success) has been due to mentally deciding to take on the challenge and to do so I had to put all effort into every practice, physically as well as mentally," she said.

Murray said Parrish's work ethic puts her in a position to have a solid finish this year.

"Kristen is definitely capable of a top 25 finish at the nationals, which would give her All-American status," he said. "She is a real contribution to our program and has been extremely consistent throughout the year."

Parrish also took note of her achievements this year.

"I appreciate what I have now. Before I took it for granted," she said.

Parrish is now preparing for the Pacific 10 Conference Championships in Eugene, Ore., this Saturday.

Brian Wahlund can be reached via e-mail at Brian.Wahlund@wildcat.arizona.edu.